UDC 31
UDC 30
CSCSTI 04.00
CSCSTI 06.00
Russian Classification of Professions by Education 38.00.00
Russian Classification of Professions by Education 39.00.00
Russian Library and Bibliographic Classification 6
Russian Trade and Bibliographic Classification 7
Freelancing is not just a form of precarious employment but a significant element in the transfor-mation of the global economy, shaping a new structure of labor relations. In today's world, it is be-coming an integral part of the digital labor ecosystem, where individual professional autonomy is becoming crucial. With the growing popularity of self-employment and remote work, a shift in em-ployment priorities is underway: more and more professionals are abandoning the traditional office model and seeking to realize their professional potential in a flexible environment, managing their own time and income. This trend largely reflects a broader process of post-industrial transfor-mation, where information technology and digital infrastructure are becoming the foundation of a new economic reality. The development of freelancing is directly linked to global digitalization processes. According to Statista, by 2024, more than 46% of professionals aged 25 to 40 had partic-ipated in freelance projects at least once, and the global freelance services market exceeded $1.5 trillion, an 18% increase from the previous year. These figures indicate a significant shift in the employment structure and the emergence of a new professional class—mobile, highly skilled workers focused on results and technological efficiency. The development of online platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and their domestic counterparts is facilitating access to the labor market and fostering a competitive environment that values expertise, creativity, and speed of task comple-tion. In the Russian context, freelancing is demonstrating steady growth and is becoming a signifi-cant element of the knowledge economy. According to the Federal Tax Service of Russia, as of 2023, the number of officially registered self-employed individuals exceeded 7.5 million, with a significant portion working in information technology, design, marketing, and consulting. This trend indicates the institutionalization of freelancing as a form of legal employment, which, in turn, contributes to increased tax revenues and the development of new professional standards. Particu-larly important is the involvement of young professionals and graduates in this field, for whom freelancing becomes not only a temporary form of employment but also a launchpad for profes-sional development, self-realization, and building a personal brand. Key advantages of freelancing include flexible work schedules, the ability to choose interesting and meaningful projects, and a greater degree of control over one's own professional development. However, challenges persist, including income instability, a lack of social guarantees, difficulties with long-term planning, and professional socialization. However, these challenges are gradually being offset by the develop-ment of digital support ecosystems, the creation of online communities, training programs, and col-laborative platforms. All of this is contributing to the emergence of a more mature and balanced model of remote work that meets the challenges of the digital age. Freelancing is becoming a re-flection of profound changes in the economy and society, where individual competence, digital lit-eracy, and the ability to self-organize are becoming more important. In the future, further institu-tionalization of freelancing and the introduction of legal mechanisms for its regulation will create the foundation for sustainable growth of the sector and strengthen its contribution to the develop-ment of an innovative economy.
freelancing, freelancing market, economic change, market share, Russian market, self-employed, market transformation
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